STAFFORDSHIRE LEAD-GLAZED CREAM-COLORED EARTHENWARE TEAPOT AND COVER CIRCA 1765

Possibly by Thomas Whieldon, Fenton Vivian, molded on either side of the globular body with a scroll-edged Chinoiserie cartouche.

Sotheby Parke Bernet, Inc., at Tulpehocken Farm, Pennsylvania, Property from the Collection of the Late Helen Janssen Wetzel, October 2, 1980, lot 1100.

Minor chips to the edge of the cover, rim of the teapot and tip of the spout. There is a small 3-mm circular break (hole) to the body about 1-in. to the right of the lower terminus of the handle.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A teapot and milk jug molded with panels of fruiting vine against a similar basketwork ground is illustrated in David Barker and Pat Halfpenny, Unearthing Staffordshire, p. 55, no. 35, where the authors attribute the pieces to Thomas Whieldon, based on matching shards found at Whieldon's Fenton Vivian factory site. The authors also illustrate a milk jug molded with a Chinoiserie panel and basketwork ground identical to the present example. However, it is only attributed tentatively to Whieldon, as the authors note that there is insufficient evidence to support an attribution on the basis of a single matching shard excavated from the factory site.